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Main Roads WA clarifies correct navigation of four-way stop signs after confusion at Rockingham intersection

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

MAIN Roads WA has clarified how to navigate four-way stop signs – give way to your right.

The advice came after four stops signs were installed at the Flinders Lane and Kent Street intersection on April 12; the signs were removed on Friday April 20.

Main Roads spokesman Dean Roberts said four-way stop signs were not a new concept for the department.

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“With a four-way intersection stop sign configuration, once a vehicle has fulfilled its obligation to stop, then the general ‘give way’ rules apply. In this case, once the vehicle has stopped drivers would give way to vehicles approaching from the right,” he said.

The configuration is designed to prepare drivers when an intersection is set to change from its usual lay-out; in this case the position of the stop signs changed from Kent Street to Flinders Lane.

“The policy is to install four stop signs at an intersection where right of way is changing. They are left in place for a short time prior to removing the initial set. Research shows that by removing them without warning there is an increase in accidents,” he said.

“Temporary warning signage of Variable Message Signs are in place to inform road users of the change.”

City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the City was responsible for monitoring the intersection and said the change was part of forward works linked with the Rockingham Beach Foreshore Revitalisation Project.

“The change enables Kent Street to carry east-west traffic and reduce through traffic on Rockingham Beach Road and Flinders Lane,” he said.

The practice was used last August in Mandurah at the intersection of Forrest and Gibson streets.

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